500,000 Canadians miss work every year due to mental health issues

Mental health claims are the fastest growing category of disability costs in Canada.

They account for an estimated 30 to 40 percent of the disability claims recorded by Canada’s major insurers and employers.

Mental health issues contribute to absenteeism, short term disability claims and conflict between staff. This leads to lack of productivity, grievances and complaints, and increased costs.

According to MHCC, 500,000 Canadians miss work every year with an impact on the economy in millions of dollars.

Mental Health First Aid Training is a sound investment in your organization

Companies that focus on improving employees’ wellness are rewarded with dramatic cost and effectiveness benefits including:

  • Increased Productivity: Happy and psychologically healthy employees work harder and more efficiently.
  • Improvements in recruitment and retention: Today’s top-quality employees expect a workplace that supports their personal and professional growth. Studies have shown that it can cost up to 18 months’ salary to lose and replace a manager or professional and up to six months’ salary to lose and replace an hourly worker.
  • Cost Savings due to Disability and Absenteeism: There is a strong link between mental health, physical well-being and injury prevention.
  • Conflict Reduction: Better mental health among employees means fewer grievances and complaints and a stronger corporate reputation.
  • Operational Success: Healthy workplaces are characterized by higher levels of employee motivation, commitment, innovation and creativity, as well as fewer errors, better decision making and improved planning.

Providing Mental Health First Aid Training Courses for organizations, educational institutions and not-for-profits for more than 12 years

Meet Carla Abichahine, Founder of CDA Training & Development

“I believe in empowering people to help others. I want to live in a world where everyone is respected regardless of the baggage they carry – including mental health problems. ~ Carla Abichahine”

My main goal is to increase the number of people that understand what mental health problems/concerns are so that fewer people are ashamed, guilty and that more people can get help before the concerns become more serious. Early intervention leads to a better outcome!

The purpose of my business is to:

1. Increase literacy and basic understanding of mental health concerns

2. Decrease stigma associated with mental health problems

3. Equip people with tools to help them support individuals who are struggling with mental health concerns and need help

Individuals with mental health concerns are people who need our help

By increasing the knowledge of people around us, we help people understand that individuals with mental health concerns are people who need our help.

People are scared of what they don’t know. They see that there is a problem, yet they feel unable to help. My training helps them develop their understanding so that they are no longer afraid to support someone who needs help. Participants report that the training changes the way they “look” at people who may be struggling with mental health problems. It increases their compassion.

It is important that we are able to separate the person from the behaviour that is due to an illness and in doing that we are able to give respect and dignity to the person living with a mental illness or who has mental health concerns

I empower my participants to have the tools to help someone experiencing a mental health concern or who is having a mental health crisis.

My story: who will do your job?

I do what I do because I know what it’s like when mental health issues affect work.

Back in 2002, I had a minor depression. I felt so much guilt and shame in not being able to do all the things I needed to do, that I didn’t want to let anyone know what happened.

When I called my boss’s boss to let them know I needed time off, they replied “who will do your job?”

This planted a seed in my head.  I decided that one day I will do something about that.

After receiving counselling for the depression, I started working as a trainer in soft “people skills” and in systems. I discovered that I loved teaching.

In 2006, I decided to start training people to increase the literacy and decrease stigma around mental health concerns.

Education & Credentials

Appointed as a Master Trainer for the MHFA course on behalf of the Mental Health Commission of Canada

Certified Trainer for Mental Health First Aid Canada

Provincial Instructor Diploma from VCC

12+ years experience in developing and delivering workshops for corporate and non-profit agencies

"A truly excellent training experience"

We work with government, public and private organizations. Partial client list:

  • Canadian Mental Health Association
  • Mental Health Commission of Canada
  • Health Canada
  • Douglas College
  • Pathfinder Youth Society
  • Fraser Valley Aboriginal Children and Family Services Society
  • BC Assessment
  • Various federal government agencies
CDA Founder Carla Abichahine accepting the Palme Bleue award for “Micro Enterprise of the Year” from the Vancouver Francophone Chamber of Commerce in October 2014.

CDA Founder Carla Abichahine accepting the Palme Bleue award for “Micro Enterprise of the Year” from the Vancouver Francophone Chamber of Commerce in October 2014.

Learning about mental health can be fun!

The topic of mental health concerns can be a difficult subject. I make the course a fun course where everyone learns something in a safe environment

People describe my teaching style as respectful, passionate and flexible. I create a fun environment that is conducive to learning.

I tailor my programs to meet the needs of my clients. I can also develop custom courses.

Her humanity shone brightly throughout the course

Carla’s delivery of the Mental Health First Aid course was a great experience. Her enthusiasm for the subject matter combined with her warm personality brought life to the classroom.

She was forthright and honest with her own personal experiences and was compassionate with participants sharing and exchanging their own stories.

Carla’s sense of humor balanced this serious material very well and her humanity shone brightly throughout the course.

Rachelle Chinnery